Changes to NEET-JEE: Class 12 board marks will now also determine admission to medical and engineering colleges..

NEET UG & JEE: New Rules – Every year, lakhs of students prepare for rigorous exams like NEET and JEE, aspiring to become doctors and engineers. In light of recent controversies surrounding these exams and the mounting pressure exerted by coaching centers, the Central Government and the Ministry of Education are preparing to implement significant changes. The Ministry plans to assign a specific 'weightage' to Class 12 board exam results for admissions into medical and engineering institutions, rather than relying solely on entrance exam scores.

This new proposal will impact students who previously sidelined their regular schooling to rely exclusively on coaching institutes. The government believes this move will not only improve the quality of education at the school level but also curb the expensive coaching culture thriving in cities like Kota and alleviate the mental stress faced by students. Here is a look at the Ministry of Education's new plan and how it is set to transform the current admission process.

What is the Ministry of Education's new weightage plan?
Currently, Class 12 board marks serve merely as a 'qualifying criterion' (such as a minimum requirement of 75% or 50% marks) for admission into IITs, NITs, or medical colleges. The final merit list is determined entirely by NEET or JEE scores. However, the new proposal aims to create a combined scoring system that factors in a fixed percentage of Class 12 board results alongside the student's entrance exam scores.

Move to break the monopoly of coaching centers.
The government is deeply concerned about the trend of students enrolling in 'dummy schools' during Classes 11 and 12 while spending their days and nights at coaching centers. This practice is eroding the importance of regular school education. According to Ministry of Education officials, once board exam marks are given weightage in determining final ranks, students will return to attending regular schools. This shift will also provide a level playing field for underprivileged students who cannot afford expensive coaching fees.

An Alternative to Controversies and Paper Leaks

Recent controversies and instances of paper leaks surrounding the NEET exam have raised questions about the system. Experts believe that if admissions were based not solely on a three-hour exam but also on year-long board exam performance, a single exam-related irregularity would not completely ruin a student's future. Board exam scores would be securely stored in a central software system, thereby enhancing the credibility of the evaluation process.

When and how could the new rule be implemented?
This plan is currently in its initial stages. The Ministry of Education is holding continuous meetings with representatives from state education boards, the NTA, and IITs to understand the practical aspects involved. The challenge lies in the fact that the country has multiple boards (such as CBSE, ICSE, and state boards) with varying marking systems. Consequently, work is underway to devise a 'normalization formula' to bring them all to a level playing field, ensuring fairness for every student.

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